Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to renew the yearly subscription for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage with the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF). The Research Foundation performs research that applies to various operations within the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, including sewage sludge incineration, Stormwater management, bio-solids reuse, whole effluent toxicity, and combined sewage overflow (CSO). Subscription rates are based on prior year average daily flow managed including wet weather flow. For 2015 the average was 160 multiplied by $460.00 per mgd.
The USEPA no longer performs important research work and the Water Environmental Federation Research Foundation fills this void by performing needed research in the areas stated above. Subscribers to WERF are provided direct and timely access to research information that enables the Department of Public Utilities to enhance and improve the quality of wastewater and storm water management. There are many emerging issues that require research in the near future and being a subscriber to WERF enables the Department of Public Utilities to receive any future research that will be shared with personnel within the department. The subscription period is through December 31, 2016.
SUPPLIER: Water Environment Research Foundation (54-1511635), Non-Profit.
FISCAL IMPACT: $73,600.00 is needed for this expenditure. This subscription was budgeted in the amount of $71,300.00. WERF has raised the rate from $449.00 per mgd to $460.00 for 2016. Funds will be reprioritized to cover the additional costs.
$71,840.00 was spent in 2015
$69,120.00 was spent in 2014
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to pay subscription fees to subscribe with the Water Environment Research Foundation for Fiscal Year 2016 for use of the Utility Subscription Program for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, and to authorize the expenditure of $73,600.00 from the Sewerage System Operating Fund. ($73,600.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to subscribe with the Water Environment Research Foundation to insure continued and proper research in Wastewater Treatment areas for Fiscal Year 2016, and
WHEREAS, the Research Foundation performs research that applies to our operations - sewage sludge incineration, stormwater management, bio-solids reuse, whole effluent toxicity, and combined sewage overflow, and
WHEREAS, the subscription period is through December 31, 2016, and
WHEREAS, the Water Environment Research Foundation currently conducts research applicable to the City of Columbus, Division of Sewerage and Drainage operations including sewage sludge incineration, bio-solids reuse/recycling, whole effluent toxicity, combined sewer overflows (CSO). The collaborative research provided by the Water Environment Research Foundation is a cost-effective means to fill a void within the wastewater industry. This subscription enables the City to participate in developing future topics and have full access to research in progress; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION l. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to pay for subscription fees to the Water Environment Research Foundation, 635 Slaters Lane, Suite G-110, Alexandria, VA 22314, for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage for Fiscal Year 2016.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $73,600.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6100 Sewerage System Operating Fund in object class 03 services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.